Hundred dollar Healey to cross Mexico

A 1962 Austin-Healey Sprite that was found festering in California before being bought for $100 is to be campaigned in the gruelling Rally Historico Transpeninsular from 21-24 May.

The car, which was bought by serial adventurer and blogger Michael Satterfield was discovered languishing in an abandoned aircraft hangar and was quickly dubbed 'El Guapo' – Spanish for 'the handsome one'. It was originally built by an enthusiast named J Giddens and features front bodywork that Satterfield believes to be unique.

"We gave the car the name 'El Guapo' as a joke, since it is not the prettiest of cars," said Satterfield. "I've been focusing on keeping the car's build budget low to showcase just how accessible historic motorsport can be."

The race, which is in its inaugural year and caters for pre-'73 classics, will take Satterfield and the Healey across 1100 miles of punishing terrain in Baja California, including regularity sections from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. The project has been backed by a number of specialists, including Moss Motors.

Other rally entrants include muscle cars such as Ford Mustangs, a Chevrolet Camaro SS and a Dodge Charger, with European manufacturers represented by a Mercedes-Benz 280SL and BMW 2002.